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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 17:34:12 GMT -5
The American bison or simply bison (Bison bison), also commonly known as the American buffalo or simply buffalo, is an American species of bison that once roamed North America in vast herds. Its historical range, by 9000 BC, is described as the great bison belt, a tract of rich grassland that ran from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico, east to the Atlantic Seaboard (nearly to the Atlantic tidewater in some areas) as far north as New York and south to Georgia and, according to some sources, further south to Florida, with sightings in North Carolina near Buffalo Ford on the Catawba River as late as 1750.[2][3][4] It nearly became extinct by a combination of commercial hunting and slaughter in the 19th century and introduction of bovine diseases from domestic cattle. With a population in excess of 60 million in the late 18th century, the species was down to just 541 animals by 1889. Recovery efforts expanded in the mid-20th century, with a resurgence to roughly 31,000[5] wild bison today, largely restricted to a few national parks and reserves. Through multiple reintroductions, the species is now also freely roaming wild in some regions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with it also being introduced to Yakutia in Russia.[6]
Two subspecies or ecotypes have been described: the plains bison (B. b. bison), smaller in size and with a more rounded hump, and the wood bison (B. b. athabascae)—the larger of the two and having a taller, square hump.[7][8][9][10][11][12] Furthermore, the plains bison has been suggested to consist of a northern plains (B. b. montanae) and a southern plains (B. b. bison) subspecies, bringing the total to three.[10] However, this is generally not supported. The wood bison is one of the largest wild species of extant bovid in the world, surpassed only by the Asian gaur.[13] Among extant land animals in North America, the bison is the heaviest and the longest, and the second tallest after the moose.
Spanning back many millennia, Native American tribes have had cultural and spiritual connections to the American bison. It is the national mammal of the United States of America.
A bison has a shaggy, long, dark-brown winter coat, and a lighter-weight, lighter-brown summer coat. Male bison are significantly larger and heavier than females. Wood bison is potentially more primitive in phenotype than plains bison while the latter probably evolved from mixing of Bison occidentalis and Bison antiquus.[17] Plains bison are often in the smaller range of sizes, and wood bison in the larger range. Head-rump lengths at maximum up to 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) for males and 2.85 m (9 ft 4 in) for females long and the tail adding 30 to 95 cm (1 ft 0 in to 3 ft 1 in).[17][18][19] Heights at withers in the species can reach up to 186 to 201 cm (6 ft 1 in to 6 ft 7 in) for B. b. bison and B. b. athabascae respectively.[19] Typically weights can range from 318 to 1,179 kg (701 to 2,599 lb),[19][20][21][22] 460 to 988 kg (1,014 to 2,178 lb) with medians of 730 to 792.5 kg (1,609 to 1,747 lb) (B.b. bison) and 943.6 kg (2,080 lb) (B.b.athabascae) in males, and 360 to 640 kg (790 to 1,410 lb) with medians of 450 to 497.6 kg (992 to 1,097 lb) in females,[17] although the lowest weights probably representing typical weight around the age of sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age.[23][24][25][26][27][17] The heaviest wild bull for B.b.bison ever recorded weighed 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)[28] while there had been bulls estimated to be 1,360 kg (3,000 lb).[29] B.b.athabascae is significantly larger and heavier on average than B.b.bison while the number of recorded samples for the former was limited after the rediscovery of a relatively pure herd.[17] Elk Island National Park, which has wild populations of both wood and plains bison, has recorded maximum weights for bull bison of 1186 kg (plains) and 1099 kg (wood), but noted that 3/4 of all bison over 1000kg were wood bison. When raised in captivity and farmed for meat, the bison can grow unnaturally heavy and the largest semidomestic bison weighed 1,724 kg (3,801 lb).[20] The heads and forequarters are massive, and both sexes have short, curved horns that can grow up to 60 cm (2 ft) long with 90 cm (3 ft) to 124 cm (4 ft) width,[30][29] which they use in fighting for status within the herd and for defense.
Bison are herbivores, grazing on the grasses and sedges of the North American prairies. Their daily schedule involves two-hour periods of grazing, resting, and cud chewing, then moving to a new location to graze again. Sexually mature young bulls may try to start mating with cows by the age of two or three years, but if more mature bulls are present, they may not be able to compete until they reach five years of age.
For the first two months of life, calves are lighter in color than mature bison. One very rare condition is the white buffalo, in which the calf turns entirely white.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:32:09 GMT -5
Bison Biology- Facts About Bison
Are Bison and Buffalo the same?
Bison or American Bison, often called ‘buffalo”. Although it’s not correct, it’s an old habit formed from the first explorers seeing them and referring to them as an Ox type animal.
“Buffalo” are completely different animal than Bison, people are thinking of the Water Buffalo, also called domestic water buffalo or Asian water buffalo, a large bovid originating in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China. Today, it is also found in Europe, Australia, North America, South America and some African countries. They are known for their milk. WE DO NOT MILK BISON. Water buffalo dont have wool, they are not native here, they are usually black and have skin more like an elephant. They like the waters, where they can be the “Water Buffalo”.
Are bison native to North America? Yes!! Our only native grazer.
American Bison are the largest land mammal in North America. As a native species, they play a unique role in the health and diversity of the ecosystem.
What’s the average weight of bison?
Males or bulls can weigh up to 3,000 pounds , some have weighed more, while the more common range is 1500 – 2000lbs and measure up to 6 ½ feet at the shoulder. They can easily be 9 to 11 feet long. Extremely fast and agile animals. They can run 35 miles and hour and jump a 5 foot fence flat footed. I seen a 4 month old calf ‘almost’ clear a 5 foot fence. Just think what they can do with all that size and speed, that with being highly intelligent. Nothing to mess with.
Females or cows are much smaller than the their male counter parts. Usually weighing in at 800 to 1200lbs. Some have hit 1400lbs. They still have the horns, chaps and capes, just not as large as the bulls. They reach a height of 4 to 5 1/2 feet at the shoulder and can be 8 foot long.
How long do bison live?
Charles Goodnight thought they lived forever. (kidding) He did believe they lived much longer than what we find today. “No one knows how long a buffalo will live. I have had a buffalo cow more than twenty-eight years old which produced a calf.” Charles Goodnight- 1916. They most certainly can live to their late twenties. General Lawton was 26 when he died and Sir Donald was older than that. The average is about 20 -25 years plus. Currently there is a bison in Australia that is in his 30’s. (Jan 2021) Understand also, the younger deaths in bison are not from old age, I’ve heard sickness/worms, broken legs, another bison attack, etc…..
How much do baby bison weigh?
Bison calves weigh 30-70 lbs at birth. Then you’ll have those that have to stand out of the herd and weigh more or less than average. We had a calf last year that weighed 27lbs. She was a tiny thing, but has grown up to be as big, if not better than calves her age.
Can you have a bison as a pet?
Well, that’s a deep subject. The definition of the word ‘pet’ means: “a tame animal kept as a companion rather than for work” Very few bison would fall into this category, that would be happy. They are a “herd” animal. They are much more content, relaxed and happy with their own kind. A slim few are born just flat being easy going and happy. It is rare to have one that is content being your pet and not a productive bison.
We have our herds that are referred to as pets. This is because they know us and we know them. They are not spoiled, they don’t come in the house, etc.. Usually smaller herds, that learn the routine and what the tractor means, what a whistle means or a feed truck horn. They know when you shake that bucket it means feed cubes.
Then you have those that want to “train” them to lead, or ride…etc… I’m not a fan of this because I know some of the methods being used to accomplish this. There are very few who use humane handling. I would also add those same are not bison producers. Bison producers have a deep passion and respect for the animal.
My 2¢- Bison Behavior Bison show what they are thinking through body language just like your dog or horse. When they get alarmed or concerned, that tail goes up. If the situation worsens, the head lowers, if that threatening presence continues, the bison will show aggressiveness by pawing, walking towards the threat with the head low or shaking. I seen one bull actually act like he wasn’t paying attention and the whole time he was getting closer to be within reach. How’s that for smart. A place like Yellowstone can be very different behavior. You’ve seen pictures or videos of people walking right up them. They then think they are pets, “look he’s not moving!” The reason he is not moving is confidence, he knows he can take you out any second. He does not currently see you as a threat. He has an escape plan, he can see wide open in front of him. That thought can change in a blink of an eye. He may be able to walk or run from you, but he may not want to and tell you as much. Then there is “Rut” or mating season, you want to keep a great distance or a safe distance. Many producers/ bison ranchers, ‘have to’ be around them during this time. They take all the necessary precautions and still, some lose their life or get a helicopter ride and months of therapy. The cow or bull you thought was pretty safe, can surprise you in the worst way. No matter where the bison lives, he is not domesticated. You can treat them like pets, but that doesn’t mean they are a fluffy baby, they are still a bison! They still have those wild instincts and they need to be respected. I would bet most if not all bison in North American are desensitized by people. Just some more than others. What that means is, they know exactly what you are and are not. Remember in history, hunters went to great lengths to stay down wind, hide in wallows, behind trees, in ravens or boulders. So the herd didn’t see or smell them and scatter before they could get a shot off. Not the case today. That fear is gone. What happens in your presence is what they remember, so its up to you as to how they behave.
allaboutbison.com/bison-facts/
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:35:57 GMT -5
FROM WHENCE THEY CAME: THE PALEONTOLOGY OF SOUTHERN PLAINS BISON
Abstract
Long renowned for their clues to the presence and predatory abilities of North America's earliest humans, Southern Plains sites with bison remains have provided vertebrate paleontologists with food for thought for nearly a century. Bison skulls from Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas figured prominently in early taxonomic schemes, ideas on bison evolution, and the chronology of geological deposits before radiocarbon dating. Now, in addition to innumerable finds of isolated cranial parts, bison remains are reported for over 30 nonarchaeological sites from southwestern Kansas to southern Texas. A radiocarbon-dated chronology is slowly developing for these paleontological finds, and, on this basis, bison remains appear to be nonexistent in deposits older than 50,000 years BP. Moreover, most localities older than 20,000 years BP yield more remains of herbivores other than bison. Although several competing models of North American bison evolution are currently in vogue, Southern Plains finds demonstrate that serious problems hinder full acceptance of any model. These problems include small sample sizes, poor understanding of age and sex differences within nominal species, inadequate dating of most faunal localities, and (most of all) identification errors resulting from misinterpretation of nomenclature. As a result, many identifications of bison species published in the last 20 years are suspect.
www.jstor.org/stable/25669441?seq=1
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:44:19 GMT -5
Bison Weights From National Parks in the Northern Great Plains
Abstract
On the Ground • Female bison at three Northern Great Plains parks reached maximum size at 5.5 years of age. Male bison reached maximum size around 10.5 years of age. • The mean weight for females 5.5 years old and older was 473 kg, and for males 10.5 years old and older was 816 kg. The mean weight for yearling females was 307 kg, and for yearling males was 325 kg. • There were significant differences in bison weights between the three parks even though the herds were all stocked well below the forage-based carrying capacity. • Heavier calves and yearlings tended to be heavier adults; however, there was much variability among individuals. • Accurate and unambiguous data on bison weights can be used to set stocking rates and make other management decisions and therefore should be collected whenever possible.
www.researchgate.net/publication/301706794_Bison_Weights_From_National_Parks_in_the_Northern_Great_Plains
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:49:38 GMT -5
Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae)
General Description
Wood bison are the larger of the two subspecies of modern American bison. Adult males are approximately 6 feet tall at the shoulder, 10 feet long, and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. The females are smaller, generally weighing around 1,200 pounds. The wood bison has curving horns that point upward and hair on the chin that resembles a beard. Their head and shoulders are large compared to their hindquarters, with a pronounced hump ahead of the front legs. The wood bison's hump rises almost straight up from the neck, and then slopes downward to the hips. The bone structure of this giant, forward hump has evolved in the wood bison to support a massive muscle structure that helps them sweep their head through deep northern snows to access grasses and sedges in winter. They have a dense coat of soft, durable hair that is not hollow like moose caribou and sheep, but is more like human hair. The hair color ranges from dark brown to black along the legs and lower body, to light brown along the hump. Wood bison begin to lose their winter coat as temperatures warm in the early spring. By mid-summer the coat is completely shed and has been replaced with new hair.
Similar Species
Plains bison (B. bison bison) are the other subspecies of American bison in Alaska, but only wood bison occurred naturally in Alaska. A small population of plains bison was established in 1928 near Delta Junction, thousands of miles from their natural range. Although plains bison are similar in appearance to wood bison, wood bison are on average about 15% heavier than plains bison. A wood bison's hump is taller and has its highest point forward of the front legs. The wood bison has woolly hair along its ribs, where plains bison have very short hair. The hair of the wood bison's beard, throat latch, ventral neck mane, chaps, and penis tuft are much less developed than that of plains bison. Wood bison vocalizations are different vocalizations from those of plains bison, and the wood bison's social interactions during the rut tend to be less violent than plains bison. All of these differences are evidence of the wood bison's adaptation to its northern environment: pockets of grassy meadow habitat within the sea of boreal forest, where temperatures can be quite cold and snow can be deep for extended periods.
www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=woodbison.main
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:51:43 GMT -5
Introduction of the wood bison (Bison bison athabascae rhoads, 1897) in Central Yakutia
Abstract
In April 2006, 30 wood bison from the Elk Island National Park (Canada) were brought to Central Yakutia. The group comprised 15 females and 15 males; 27 of them were underyearlings and two females and one male were over 1 year old. The animals started reproducing at the age of 2–3 years. Six calves were born in 2008; seven, in 2009; and nine (one calf died), in 2010. In 2008, the herd grew by 23.1%; in 2009, by 26.9%; and in 2010, by 30.8%. A comparatively high reproduction rate demonstrates their normal naturalization. In summer, bison feed on pasture forage and are provided with hay, haylage, and mixed feed in winter. Currently, the wood bison are successfully adapting to new environmental conditions with a short summer, extended winter season, and extremely low air temperatures in winter as the major factors. Their total population increased to 47 individuals, including 26 adults (55.3%) and 21 calves (44.7%) with a male to female ratio of 24 (51.1%) to 23 (48.9%). An extended reproduction of the bison stock in animal nurseries will contribute to their further natural settling in wildlife. In March 2011, a new batch of bison comprising 30 calves born in 2010 was brought to Yakutia, elevating their total population there to 77 individuals.
link.springer.com/article/10.1134%2FS2075111712010080
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:54:02 GMT -5
BISON-GRIZZLY RECREATION
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 22:58:15 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 23:03:14 GMT -5
BISON LATIFRONS-BISON ANTIQUUS-BISON PRISCUS-BISON OCCIDENTALIS-BISON BISON
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 23:05:16 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 23:13:29 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 10, 2021 23:14:38 GMT -5
MALE BISONS FIGHTING AT YELLOWSTONE:
BISONS FIGHT FOR MATING RIGHTS:
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 11, 2021 9:45:46 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 11, 2021 9:55:31 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 11, 2021 9:58:06 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 11, 2021 10:06:10 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 11, 2021 10:08:21 GMT -5
How bison withstand winter
OK, I think my family is ready. We have the wood stove going and plenty of firewood to keep the house warm; our winter coats, hats, mittens and boots are all by the front door; and we have an extra-large supply of nonperishable goods in our pantry in the event that we get snowed in. Yes, we are ready. Bring on the winter weather!
While making these preparations, I couldn't help but look out at the bison herd grazing at Kankakee Sands and feel a sense of envy. While our family was busily preparing for winter, the bison just ate, slept and wallowed. And, it turns out, that's all they need to do to be totally ready for winter.
Bison are well-designed for life in the cold and snowy temperatures of winter. Their historic range is from Mexico, continuing north through the U.S., reaching into Canada and extending all the way into Alaska.
Bison have an amazing ability to withstand the cold. In the winter, they grow a thick, woolly undercoat of fur. They have eight times as many hair follicles as cattle. The fur is thickest on the bison's head, front of their body and their forelegs. If you have ever had the chance to touch a bison pelt, you lose sight of your fingers when you press them into the thick wool-covered hide.
In the winter, I always put my back to the wind. But that is not the bison's way. With their well-insulated front-side, they choose to face the wind. The wind blows their fur down against their body, creating an impenetrable layer of warmth. In fact, the coat of a bison is so thick and it insulates the bison's body so well, that in winter, the snow will land on the bison and not melt from the heat of the bison's body.
Bison have a strong sense of smell -- so strong they can smell vegetation under 3 feet of snow. And with their massive heads, they are able to plow the snow aside to get to the vegetation.
In the winter, bison actually don't need to eat all that much food. Their metabolism slows down in colder months. This is very beneficial as winter is typically a time of year when food is less available.
Food moves through the bison's gut more slowly than it does in other grazers; this allows bison to gain more nutritional benefit from less quantity and less quality of forage.
Bison drink about 10 gallons of water per day, but even in winter, staying hydrated isn't a problem for them. They can use their muzzle or their hooves to break through ice to get to water. And if water is not available, they will eat snow to fulfill their water needs.
It's just incredible to me. Bison do not need shelter from the cold of winter. They don't need the wood stove, the hat and mittens or the nonperishable items in the pantry.
So, on one of the cold and blustery days of winter when we all need a little encouragement, let's bundle up and go admire the bison grazing at Kankakee Sands.
They make winter look so easy.
www.google.com/amp/s/www.daily-journal.com/sports/outdoors/how-bison-withstand-winter/article_6ee64718-ce94-5d77-9940-f36992a6f825.amp.html
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Post by tyrannosaurs on Jul 16, 2021 13:32:25 GMT -5
BLACK DOG-LARGEST LIVING BISON IN 1916. 2800 LBS:
Nice document. Even I didn't know about it. Do you know from where it came from?
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 16, 2021 14:46:41 GMT -5
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Post by Gorilla king on Jul 16, 2021 15:33:39 GMT -5
Most likely the largest bison and the largest bovid in modern times: 3340 lbs:
Jumbo
In July of 1969 Don Lou Farm in Wisconsin purchased a purebred bison bull from Nova Scotia Properly named Jumbo, the real deal. Jumbo weighed 3340lbs. Don Thompson purchased the bull in an effort to bring back some character traits that he believed were missing. He also had plans to purchase a couple full blood registered bison cows from different herds. Just a short 2 years later, he sold Jumbo to the Flocchini Ranch. He was used 3 years on the Durham Ranch and his genetics are probably still in their herd today.
Mr. and Mrs Armando Flocchini at the Durham Ranch in Wy. and Durham Meat Co of San Jose, Cal. feeding Jumbo apples.
Jumbo was born cir. early 60’s
The Flocchini family- Durham Bison Ranch owned Jumbo for several years and he was a single sire bull for them and died of natural causes, and to this day his pasture still bears the name ” Jumbo”.
Special thanks to the family for sharing their Jumbo memories for the rest of us to know, yes he did exist!
allaboutbison.com/legendary-bison-bulls/
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